Fantasy baseball managers are always looking for an edge in their leagues, and one strategy that can pay off is buying low on struggling players and selling high on those who have exceeded expectations. Below, our featured experts look closely at some players they’re targeting for these trades. They have closely monitored the latest player trends and performance metrics to identify key players you should consider buying low and selling high to maximize your roster’s potential.
By leveraging our exclusive fantasy baseball trade analyzer and relying on advanced metrics, comprehensive player rankings, and player projections, our experts have determined which players you should target in trades and which ones you should look to move. So, whether you need a roster shake-up or simply want to capitalize on a player’s hot streak, this article is here to guide you through the process.
Let’s examine these trade recommendations, analyzing the rationale behind each move and providing you with actionable advice to help you dominate your league. Don’t forget to check out our other fantasy baseball resources to help you stay ahead of the competition all season long. Happy trading!
- Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Assistant
- Fantasy Baseball Trade Tools
- Weekly Fantasy Baseball Content
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice: Buy Low/Sell High
What one MLB player are you trying to buy low and why? Also, who are you willing to give up for him?
Bryan Reynolds (OF – PIT)
“Bryan Reynolds is a player I’m currently targeting before his performance inevitably returns to form. Through 254 plate appearances in 2025, Reynolds is posting career lows (excluding 2020) in batting average (.238), wOBA (.302), and SLG (.379). However, his expected metrics are far more encouraging, all ranking at or above the 78th percentile: .279 xBA, .370 xwOBA, and .521 xSLG (over 140 points higher than his actual slugging). These discrepancies, paired with career-bests in both chase rate (24%) and barrel rate (12%), point toward a looming breakout. If I could flip someone like Sonny Gray or Nathaniel Lowe, both performing at similar levels but without the same upside, I’d make that move without hesitation.”
– Rex Rutchik (Left Turns)
Juan Soto (OF – NYM)
“Here’s Juan Soto’s expected slash line for 2025 according to Baseball Savant: .301/.430/.589. His actual .234/.364/.430 slash, but he also has 7 SB this year, matching last year’s mark. I would flip Pete Crow-Armstrong or Corbin Carroll rest of season in a heart beat for Soto straight up. The window to buy Soto is closing, and this Mets’ lineup is one of the best in baseball. The buy window is not going to be open much longer.”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)
Corbin Carroll (OF – ARI)
“Corbin Carroll was one of the hottest players the first month, so there is a little ‘duh’ in this, but he has struggled big time as of late. Since May 1st, he’s hit under .220, which has made his batting average drop dramatically overall. The Dbacks have also been a disaster, and that may carry over to many people’s thoughts on him moving forward. His expected batting average is about 20 points higher than he’s currently hitting. This might be a moment where he is not only just available now in a trade, but if he’s available at a discount, I want to buy.”
– Chris Welsh (FantasyPros)
What one MLB player are you trying to sell high right now and why? Also, who would you try to get in return?
Nick Pivetta (SP – SD)
“Getting through his first 11 starts with a 2.74 ERA and a near-30% strikeout rate, Nick Pivetta presents himself as a sneaky sell-high candidate that fantasy managers may want to exploit sooner rather than later. Pivetta currently ranks 3rd in the NL in Wins and 5th with a 1.01 WHIP, but what concerns me is his career high in Barrels per Plate Appearance (7.3%) and a 33.3% Ground Ball rate, which ranks in just the 12th percentile. In ERA, Slugging, and wOBA, Pivetta’s actual numbers are notably better than his expected metrics, most notably, the 0.78 gap between his ERA (2.74) and xERA (3.52). If someone were willing to part with Joe Ryan or Taj Bradley, both of whom boast stronger underlying metrics and better long-term sustainability, I’d pull the trigger on moving Pivetta without hesitation.”
– Rex Rutchik (Left Turns)
Yusei Kikuchi (SP – LAA)
“Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels has a 3.06 ERA, and that is nothing short of a miracle. Kikuchi has an xERA of 4.42, a 4.36 FIP and a 4.66 xFIP. His K/9 has fallen year over year from 10.55 to just 8.07, and his BB/9 has risen from 2.25 to a ghastly 4.87. Get out while you still can and take whatever decent return you can find. Some pitching-strapped team will take a chance on that ERA and sell Mike Trout returning to the lineup as a plus. Any mid-level bat or even a low-end closer would do in return.”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)
Cal Raleigh (C – SEA)
“Cal Raleigh is currently in a tier of his own at the catcher position. His 23 home runs aren’t being rivaled by anyone else. Yahoo’s player ranker has Raleigh as a top-10 player, and the next catcher is over 100 spots behind him. He owns the value at the position. This is the reason I might look to move him for a top-10 pitcher, outfielder, or a top-5 at another position to take advantage of his current value. I do not believe his current 60 home run pace, though he can continue to be valuable. Baseball Savant’s expected home run chart shows that he should have six fewer current home runs. At the end of the day, we aren’t fooling ourselves to say he will fall off the map. He likely is still hitting 40 home runs this year, but if I can sell the position advantage for an elite player at another position, I am doing so. I am thinking of picking up an Agustin Ramirez or a dropped Austin Wells.”
– Chris Welsh (FantasyPros)
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